Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1887-1890, 1887-11-19
GREAT FALLS TRIBUNE.
SATURDAY. NOVEMBER 10, 1881.
TIE WOOL GROWER AND DEsERT
L1NDS.

So far as we have observed the
Montana Wool Grower is the only
journal in the territory that is vexed
and disgruntled because the general
land Office has removed the desert
ban from a large portion of Cascade
county, and in SO doing not only
gives northern Montana a big adver-
tisement, but makes clear and sure
the right of the actual settler to locate
upon these lands and build homes
without let or hindrance from the
spectators who otherwise might 10
cate them at will under the desert
land act and hold the same for three
years at least, without the expendi-
ture of dollar in the way of improve
ments. Why this fortunate state of
afairs-at once a benefit to settlers
and to this portion of the territory
should So alarm the Wool Grower is
almost past comprehension, unless
the title to the 'sdesert" sections within
the prescribed area held by the editor
is clouded by the order to which ref
erence is had.
In discussing the question the
Wool Grower seeks to leave the i'm
preston that special agent John A.
Gum of the land department was a
tool in the hands of interested par
ties and that his services were secur-
ed" for this special service. The ex-
cellent record and reputation Mr..
Gum has made as an officer Of the
government is all the reply needed
TO this reckless charge, and the
ready a~cquieseence of his superior of
ficers in the recommendations made
by him is convincing proof that his
report was backed by ample and most
satisfactory evidence. Against this
the simple dictum of the Wool Grow
or is of very light weight.
"Ifthey (the lands of Cascade coun-
ty) are not desert lands as contemplate
ed In the act, theD there are no desert
lands on the eastern slope Of the
Rockies anywhere from Canada down
TO Mexico" So concludes the Wool
Grower. Northern Montana with its
grassy plains, rich valleys and bench
lands and with its record of produc-
ing 0 wonderful crops than any
portion of the northwest, is put in the
same category with the parched, arid
regions of Arizona and New Mexico!
This is too ridiculous.
"The position taken by Great Falls
will drive away capital which would
be instrumental in securing the
growth of crops that would act to de-
velop the uovn, as quickly and sub
stantialiy as crops grown on lands
taken under any other claim" This
is as wide of the truth as the other
assertion. We do not know of a single
desert land claim in this section
where actual settlement and cultiva-
ton has been made. This act is as a
rule taken advantage of by parties
wishing to secure large tracts Of
land or by the Spectator pure and
who locates lands under the
act with no intention Of s.redeeming.o
but in anticipation of an increase in
value before the end of three years.
could hardly frame q law
to this country that would
have a more pernicious effect in shut
ting out immigration and settlement,
and it Is probably for this very
reason that it is SO highly esteemed
by the Wool Grower.
We reproduce the following rulings
the general land Office in regard to
desert lands, approved by secretary
and with these as a guide
would like to ask how the depart
neat, after having examined into the
could do otherwise than de-
that the designated area in Cas-
,ade county should not be subject to
he desert act:
/. Lands bordering upon streams, lakes
rpsheF PatuFal bodies Of water, Of through